Current Research Projects in Laser Neurosurgery

Abstract

Eleven years ago we introduced first the CO2 and later the Nd:YAG laser into the neurosurgical treatment of various diseases (1). After initial difficulties, we have performed almost 1100 procedures with the lasers (2, 3). In all these cases, and in our current projects, we used the laser’s thermal effect, while other medical specialties are already using its light and pressure effects. Photochemical applications of lasers are also gaining in importance, while as yet we have no experience with their electromagnetic effects.